The governments of Somalia and Ethiopia have hailed a military agreement as a crucial step for regional stability. Following Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Mogadishu, both leaders emphasized the importance of normalizing bilateral relations and enhancing security cooperation. The agreement comes after a period of diplomatic tensions and signifies a renewed commitment to collaborative initiatives and addressing security challenges in the region.
The governments of Somalia and Ethiopia have praised a recent military agreement between their respective forces as a pivotal advancement towards enhanced security cooperation and regional stability. This understanding was confirmed during Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Mogadishu, wherein Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Abiy highlighted the need for normalization of bilateral relations after extended engagements, underlining their shared historical ties.
The dialogue follows a period marked by diplomatic strains, particularly regarding Ethiopia’s Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland, which Somalia viewed as infringing on its sovereignty. Initially, Somalia had rejected Ethiopian involvement in the AU-led mission to replace ATMIS, seeking to strengthen military links with Egypt instead. However, diplomatic tensions have since diminished, especially after the Ankara Declaration facilitated renewed cooperation between the two nations.
The turning point occurred during President Mohamud’s visit to Ethiopia in January, where agreements for full diplomatic representation and enhanced economic and security collaboration were established. Subsequently, Somalia approved Ethiopian involvement in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia. This decision reversed earlier stances, emphasizing both nations’ commitment to coordinating Ethiopian deployments through the Federal Government of Somalia.
In their joint communiqué, both nations welcomed the initiation of technical discussions in Ankara, reiterating their resolve for constructive dialogue. They also proposed strategic infrastructure projects aimed at fostering economic integration and enhancing social connections. Recognizing the threats posed by extremist militant groups, both sides committed to increasing collaboration to promote peace and stability in the region.
The bilateral engagement signifies a mutual determination to deepen relations and bolster collective interests. The commitment to improving regional prosperity is underlined by a shared goal of addressing evolving security challenges and enhancing cooperation in various sectors, thereby affirming the importance of solidarity between Somalia and Ethiopia.
The recent military agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia represents a significant stride toward improving security cooperation and regional stability. Following a phase of diplomatic tensions, both nations are now focused on strengthening ties and promoting collaborative initiatives. Their commitment to addressing security challenges and enhancing bilateral relations speaks to a new era of cooperation, underscoring the importance of diplomatic engagement for regional prosperity.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
